Call for applications for a fully financed PhD fellowship

Project description

Inflammatory bowel disease’s (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are idiopathic, chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestine. These diseases result in significant physical and mental health challenges, imposing substantial economic burdens on healthcare systems and society. Notably, both Denmark and global populations have observed increasing incidence and prevalence rates, especially among pediatric groups. Identifying risk factors is crucial for mitigating the incidence of IBD.

The pathophysiology of IBD is believed to involve a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, environmental risk factors, and intestinal microflora. Early life is a critical period for immune system development, where exposures can lead to lifelong immune changes. The gut microbiome is established during pregnancy and the first three years of life, making this period a key window for microbiome modulation, influencing both short- and long-term health outcomes and disease susceptibility.

Studies examining the link between IBD and early-life agricultural and household exposures are limited and inconsistent. This epidemiological project will investigate the association between early-life and various exposures and the subsequent risk of developing IBD based on national Danish registry data.

The findings from this project is anticipated to enhance our understanding of environmental risk factors for IBD. Identifying specific exposures that influence IBD risk could inform public health strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of these debilitating diseases.

The studies will be conducted in collaboration with the Division of Gastroenterology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.; and the National Center of Excellence for Molecular Prediction of IBD [PREDICT] Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark.     

Qualifications

Essential criteria:

1. Cand.med degree
2. Previous clinical position as a MD at a department treating patients with IBD
3. High level of motivation; strong interest in the process rather than a specific goal and an enthusiasm to advance future medicine.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Danish and in English.
5. Applicant must be prepared to learn how to conduct prospective clinical studies with blood collection from pregnant patients and their infants, laboratory analysis and conduct registry studies. Training will be provided.

Desirable criteria:

1. Research experience, possibly a previous publication within the field of inflammatory bowel disease and pregnancy.
2. We are a small team, why good cooperation skills both within the team and out-side is important.

General responsibilities description:

1. Manage and carry out your research projects.
2. Writing scientific articles.
3. Participation in national and international conferences.
4. Relevant teaching task conducted in both Danish and English.

How to apply

Please submit your application via this link. Application deadline is 24 March 2025 23:59 CET. Preferred starting date is 1 May 2025.

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide.  

Further information

Please contact Gastroenterologist, PhD, Associated Professor Mette Julsgaard, mjn@clin.au.dk, for more information.

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.